Parliament Expresses Solidarity To Quake-Hit Nepal
27 April, New Delhi
Parliament Monday expressed solidarity and lent an assurance to Nepal as the neighbouring country continues to race against time after a deadly earthquake killed more than 3,720 people on Saturday and rendered millions homeless.
Members from both the Houses assured that India stood firmly behind the Himalayan country at this hour of need.
Sharing grief with the victims and taking a strong cognisance of the challenges before the survivors, Parliamentarians from the Lower House also agreed to donate one months salary to contribute to the relief fund.
Members across parties echoed of long standing relations between the two nations and need to help each and every person whose life has been impacted by the natural disaster. The Members also asked the government to make sure that all assistance reaches victims on Indian side as well.
As many as 65 people are declared dead in India including 51 from Bihar, 12 from UP and 2 from West Bengal. In Nepal, more than 3,200 people have been killed, thousands other injured and hundreds continue to undergo treatment for life threatening wounds.
The Union government stated of extending all possible help to Nepal.Every step will be taken to help people of Nepal. Their pain is our pain, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu told the House of the People.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated that Nepal is our neighboring country, we have cultural relations with them as well. we are making all possible efforts to help.
”Announcing relief for the victims, the Prime Minister tweeted Next of kin of those who lost their lives in various parts of the country due to earthquake will receive enhanced compensation of Rs 4 lakh.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said the government needs to be vigilant as many parts of the country were on the seismic zone.National Disaster Management Authority should be strengthened and every state and district level authorities should be constituted, the Congress Member said.
Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said the government should permit MPLAD fund to be used in Nepal for quake relief.DMK Rajya Sabha Member Kanimozhi suggested simplifying the central helpline number for any post-disaster management, confining the number to 4-digit. The Chair also appreciated her suggestion in the House of Elders.